Marilyn Prairie Chicken lost her mother several years ago to colorectal cancer. Shortly thereafter, her sisters decided to get a test called FOBT.

The FOBT test looks for polyps, which are unusual growths in the rectum or colon. Polyps can sometimes lead to colorectal cancer.

That’s why it’s important to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.

During the test, Marilyn’s sisters both found they had polyps. Marilyn decided to follow suit and be screened herself.

“I told my sisters I had the FOBT test done,” Marilyn said. “But then they said I should get a colonoscopy too, just to be sure.”

A colonoscopy is a procedure where a doctor looks at the inside of the colon using a long, flexible tube with a light and camera.

During Marilyn’s colonoscopy, doctors discovered three polyps. One was at a stage that required Marilyn to go to the doctor to have it regularly examined.

Marilyn was extremely thankful she got the colonoscopy. Her life may have been saved.

Marilyn, like her sister, has become an advocate for colon cancer screenings. She encourages others to be proactive about their health so they’re around to see their grandchildren grow up.

“Know your family history and do what you need to do to have a high quality of life.”

If you or someone you know is over age 50 or at risk for colorectal cancer, call today for a screening. The older you get, the more your risk increases.

And if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer—bloody stool, stomach pain that doesn’t go away, cramps or weight loss —call your health care provider right away.

You can also reduce your risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices. Exercise regularly. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Keep a high-fiber and low-fat diet. Maintain a healthy weight. And limit tobacco and alcohol use.

Anthony Stickney is just a 68-year-old man from Standing Rock. Like many men his age, he gets regular checkups from his doctor.

One day, Anthony’s doctor asked that he be screened for colorectal cancer. At Anthony’s age, it’s smart to be screened for diseases like colorectal cancer, especially if you have a family history or are at risk. So Anthony decided to get the screening.

“A screening for colorectal cancer is a very simple test,” said Anthony. “There’s no pain involved. It’s better to do the colonoscopy now and not have to worry later.”

Anthony’s results came back normal, and his mind was put at ease. He knew colorectal cancer can start with no symptoms. That’s why he wanted to get the screening.

“I just think it’s a must-do test when you get older. There’s a lot of that type of illness, especially on reservations.”

Since his screening, Anthony has become an advocate for colorectal cancer screenings. He continues to make his health a priority and regularly sees his doctor for checkups—something he encourages others to do as well.

“You don’t know what’s going on inside. We just hope we’re okay, and that’s not the way to be.”

If you or someone you know is over age 50 or at risk for colorectal cancer, call today for a screening. The older you get, the more your risk increases.

And if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer—bloody stool, stomach pain that doesn’t go away, cramps or weight loss —call your health care provider right away.

You can reduce your risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices. Exercise regularly. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Keep a high-fiber and low-fat diet. Maintain a healthy weight. And limit tobacco and alcohol use.